International Organizations Urge Urgent Action to Resolve Tensions in South Sudan

AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS, and RJMEC have expressed grave concerns over escalating tensions in Upper Nile State and clashes in surrounding regions. They called on the involved parties to use the R-ARCSS framework to de-escalate tensions and warned that failure to address these issues could endanger the Permanent Ceasefire, which is essential for lasting peace in South Sudan.

The African Union Mission in South Sudan (AUMISS), together with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), has conveyed serious apprehension regarding the escalating tensions in Upper Nile State. These organizations highlighted the troubling clashes among factions of the signatory parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) occurring in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el-Ghazal states.

In their joint press statement, AUMISS, IGAD, UNMISS, and RJMEC urged the involved parties to collaborate urgently within the R-ARCSS framework to de-escalate the situation in Upper Nile State. The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) indicated that the security conditions in Upper Nile State have markedly worsened, largely due to the ongoing rotation of forces in Nasir, prompting fears of potential widespread violence.

The joint statement admonished the leadership of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) and the Joint Defense Board (JDB) to act collaboratively and promptly to mitigate the sustained security threats across Upper Nile, Western Equatoria, and Western Bahr el-Ghazal states. The press release underscored the risk that unchecked incidents may jeopardize the Permanent Ceasefire, the foundation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the statement called for the swift unification and deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces, deeming it vital to enhance public confidence in the RTGoNU’s commitment to achieving enduring peace and stability in South Sudan. This need is particularly pressing as the nation enters the fourth extension of its ongoing Transitional Period.

In summary, escalating tensions in Upper Nile State necessitate immediate action from the leadership of South Sudan to preserve the Permanent Ceasefire and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Collaborative efforts within the R-ARCSS framework and timely deployment of necessary security forces are crucial to fostering stability and confidence in the peace process.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org